Patent attributes
A gripper device in accordance with the invention comprises a gripper (3) and a counter knife element (4) that are fabricated separately and joined. As a result of this, optimal material combinations are possible, which will deal with both types of wear, namely between the gripper (3) and the tufting needle (5), on the one hand, and between the knife (6) and the counter knife element (4), on the other hand. The gripper module (1) accommodates the counter knife element (4), which, in turn, supports the gripper (3). The two parts may be joined by caulking, cementing, riveting, screwing or similar measures, or they may be cast together in the gripper module (1). The cutting of the loop is done exclusively between the counter knife element (4) and the knife (6).